[Clark, May 14, 1804]
 May the 14th-Monday
 Set out from Camp River a Dubois at 4 oClock P.M. and proceded up the
 Missouris under Sail to the first Island in the Missouri and Camped on
 the upper point opposit a Creek on the South Side below a ledge of
 limestone rock Called Colewater, made 41/2 miles, the Party Consisted
 of 2, Self one frenchman and 22 Men in the Boat of 20 ores, 1 Serjt. &
 7 french in a large Perogue, a Corp and 6 Soldiers in a large Perogue.
 a Cloudy rainey day. wind from the N E. men in high Spirits
 
 
 [Clark, May 14, 1804]
 Monday May 14th 1804
 Rained the forepart of the day I determined to go as far as St. Charles
 a french Village 7 Leags. up the Missourie, and wait at that place
 untill Capt. Lewis Could finish the business in which he was obliged to
 attend to at St Louis and join me by Land from that place 24 miles; by
 this movement I calculated that if any alterations in the loading of
 the Vestles or other Changes necessary, that they might be made at St.
 Charles I Set out at 4 oClock P.M. in the presence of many of the
 Neighbouring inhabitents, and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the
 Missourie to the upper Point of the 1st Island 4 Miles and Camped on
 the Island which is Situated Close on the right (or Starboard) Side,
 and opposit the mouth of a Small Creek called Cold water, a heavy rain
 this after-noon The Course of this day nearly West wind from N. E
 
 
 [Lewis, May 15, 1804]
 Tuesday May 15th
 It rained during the greater part of last night and continued untill 7
 OCk. A.M. after which the Prarty proceeded, passed two Islands and
 incamped on the Stard. shore at Mr. Fifer's landing opposite an Island,
 the evening was fair. some wild gees with their young brudes were seen
 today. the barge run foul three several times--on logs, and in one
 instance it was with much difficulty they could get her off; happily no
 injury was sustained, tho the barge was several minutes in eminent
 danger; this was cased by her being too heavily laden in the stern.
 Persons accustomed to the navigation of the Missouri and the
 Mississippi also below the mouth of this river, uniformly take the
 precaution to load their vessels heavyest in the bow when they ascend
 the stream in order to avoid the danger incedent to runing foul of the
 concealed timber which lyes in great quantities in the beds of these
 rivers.
 
 
 [Clark, May 15, 1804]
 Tuesday 15--rained all last night and this morning untill 7 oClock, all
 our fire extinguished, Some Provisions on the top of the Perogus wet, I
 sent two men to the Countrey to hunt, & proceed on at 9 oClock, and
 proceeded on 9 miles and Camped at a Mr Pip. Landing just below a Coal
 Bank on the South Side the prarie Comes with 1/4 of a mile of the river
 on the N. Side I sent to the Setlements in the Pairie & purchased fowls
 &. one of the Perogue are not Sufficently maned to Keep up.
 Refurences from the 15th of May (2) a large Island to the Starboard;
 (3) passed a Small Island in the bend to the Starbord, opposit Passage
 De Soux and with 11/2 miles of the mississippi, observed a number of
 Gosselins on the edge of the river many passing down, Strong water &
 wind from the N E--Passed a Place Lbord Called the Plattes, a flat rock
 projecting from the foot of a hill, where there is a farm, (5) pass an
 Small Isld near the Center of the river, run on Several logs this after
 noon, Camped at Mr. Pipers Landing.
 
 
 [Clark, May 15, 1804]
 May 15th Tuesday
 Rained the greater part of the last night, and this morning untile 7
 oClock--at 9 oClock Set out and proceeded on 9 miles passed two Islands
 & incamped on the Starbd. Side at a Mr. Pipers Landing opposit an
 Island, the Boat run on Logs three times to day, owing her being too
 heavyly loaded a Sturn, a fair after noon, I Saw a number of Goslings
 to day on the Shore, the water excessively rapid, & Banks falling in-.
 
 
 [Clark, May 16, 1804]
 Wednesday May 16th
 A fair morning, Set out at 5 oClock passed the Coal hill (Call by the
 natives Carbonear) this hill appears to Contain great quantytes of
 Coal, and also ore of a rich appearance haveing greatly the resemblance
 of Silver Arrived Opposit St Charles at 12 oClock, this Village is at
 the foot of a Hill from which it takes its real name Peeteite Coete or
 the little hill, it contains about 100 indefferent houses, and abot 450
 Inhabetents principally frinch, those people appear pore and extreemly
 kind, the Countrey around I am told is butifull. interspursed with
 Praries & timber alturnetly and has a number of American Settlers
 Took equal altituds with Sextion M a 68°37'30" Dined with the Comdr. &
 Mr. Ducetts family--(1) Passed an Island on the L Side just above the
 bank one just above, two Small ones oposut under the St. Shore, one on
 Lb. Side below St Charles, arrived at this place at 12 oClock a fine Day
 
 
 [Clark, May 16, 1804]
 May 16th Wednesday
 a fair morning Set out at 5 oClk pass a remarkable Coal Hill on the
 Larboard Side Called by the French Carbonere, this hill appear to
 Contain great quantity of Coal & ore of a ____ appearance from this
 hill the village of St Charles may be Seen at 7 miles distance--we
 arrived at St. Charles at 12 oClock a number Spectators french &
 Indians flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one
 mile in length, Situated on the North Side of the Missourie at the foot
 of a hill from which it takes its name Petiete Coete or the Little hill
 This village Contns. about 100 houses, the most of them Small and
 indefferent and about 450 inhabitents Chiefly French, those people
 appear pore, polite & harmonious--I was invited to Dine with a Mr.
 Ducett this gentleman was once a merchant from Canadia, from
 misfortunes aded to the loss of a Cargo Sold to the late judge Turner
 he has become Somewhat reduced, he has a Charming wife an eligent
 Situation on the hill Serounded by orchards & a excellent gardain.
 
 
 [Clark, May 17, 1804]
 Thursday the 17th 1804 a fine Day 3 men Confined for misconduct, I had
 a Court martial & punishment Several Indians, who informed me that the
 Saukees had lately Crossed to war against the Osage Nation Som
 aplicasions, I took equal altitudes made the m a. to be 84° 39' 15"
 measured the Missouries at this place and made it 720 yards wide, in
 Banks. a Boat came up this evening, I punished Hall agreeable to his
 Sentence in part, a fine after noon; Suped with Mr. Ducett an agreeable
 man more agreeable Lady, this Gentleman has a Delightfull Situation &
 garden.
 
 
 [Clark, May 17, 1804]
 May the 17th Thursday 1804
 a fair day Compelled to punish for misconduct. Several Kickapoos
 Indians Visit me to day, George Drewyer arrive. Took equal altitudes of
 Suns L L made it 84° 39' 15" ap T. Measured the river found it to be 720
 yards wide, a Keel Boat Came up to day--Several of the inhabitents Came
 abord to day receved Several Speces of Vegatables from the inhabitents
 to day
 [Ordway, May 17, 1804]
 Orders St. Charles Thursdy the 17th of May 1804-
 a Sergeant and four men of the Party destined for the Missourri
 Expidition will convene at 11 oClock to day on the quarter Deck of the
 Boat, and form themselves into a Court martial to hear and determine
 (in behalf of the Capt.) the evidences aduced against William Warner &
 Hugh Hall for being absent last night without leave; contrary to
 orders;-& John Collins 1st for being absent without leave--2nd for
 behaveing in an unbecomeing manner at the Ball last night--3rdly for
 Speaking in a language last night after his return tending to bring
 into disrespect the orders of the Commanding officer
 Signd. W. Clark Comdg.
 Detail for Court martial
 Segt. John Ordway Prs.
 members
 R. Fields
 R. Windsor
 J. Whitehouse
 Jo. Potts
 The Court convened agreeable to orders on the 17th of May 1804 Sgt.
 John Ordway P. members Joseph Whitehouse Rueben Fields Potts Richard
 Windsor after being duly Sworn the Court proceded to the trial of
 William Warner & Hugh Hall on the following Charges Viz: for being
 absent without leave last night contrary to orders, to this Charge the
 Prisoners plead Guilty. The Court one of oppinion that the Prisoners
 Warner & Hall are Both Guilty of being absent from camp without leave
 it being a breach of the Rules and articles of war and do Sentence them
 Each to receive twentyfive lashes on their naked back, but the Court
 recommend them from their former Good conduct, to the mercy of the
 commanding officer.--at the Same court was tried John Collins Charged
 1st for being absent without leave--2d. for behaveing in an unbecomming
 manner at the ball last night idly for Speaking in a languguage after
 his return to camp tending to bring into disrespect the orders of the
 Commanding officer--The Prisoner Pleads Guilty to the first Charge but
 not Guilty to the two last chrges.--after mature deliberation &
 agreeable to the evidence aduced. The Court are of oppinion that the
 Prisnair is Guilty of all the charges alledged against him it being a
 breach of the rules & articles of War and do Sentence him to receive
 fifty lashes on his naked back--The Commanding officer approves of the
 proceedings & Desicon of the Court martial and orders that the
 punishment of John Collins take place this evening at Sun Set in the
 Presence of the Party.--The punishment ordered to be inflicted on
 William Warner & Hugh Hall, is remitted under the assurence arriveing
 from a confidence which the Commanding officer has of the Sincerity of
 the recommendation from the Court.--after the punishment, Warner Hall &
 Collins will return to their squads and Duty
 The Court is Disolved.
 Sign. Wm. Clark
 
 
 [Clark, May 18, 1804]
 Friday May the 18th 1804 a fine morning took equal altitude and made it
 97° 42' 37" M. A
 I had the Boat & Pierogue reloded So as to Cause them to be heavyer in
 bow than asturn recved of Mr. Lyon 136 lb. Tobacco on act. of Mr.
 Choteau Gave out tin Cups & 3 Knives to the French hands, Mr. Lauriesme
 returned from the Kickapoo Town to day delayed a Short time & Set out
 for St. Louis, I Sent George Drewyer with Mr. Lauriesmus to St Louis &
 wrote to Cap Lewis Mr. Ducett made me a present of rivr Catts & Some
 Herbs our french hands bring me eggs milk &c. &. to day The wind hard
 from the S. W. Two Keel Boats came up to this place to day from Kentucky
 
 
 [Clark, May 18, 1804]
 May the 18th Friday 1804
 a fine morning, I had the loading in the Boat & perogue examined and
 changed So as the Bow of each may be heavyer laded than the Stern, Mr.
 Lauremus who had been Sent by Cap Lewis to the Kickapoo Town on public
 business return'd and after a Short delay proceeded on to St Louis, I
 Sent George Drewyer with a Letter to Capt Lewis Two Keel Boats arrive
 from Kentucky to day loaded with whiskey Hats &c. &. the wind from the
 SW. Took equal altitudes with Sexetn Made it 97°42' 37" MT.
 
 
 [Clark, May 19, 1804]
 Satturday May the 19th 1804 a Violent Wind last night from the W. S W,
 Suckceeded by rain with lasted Som hours, a Cloudy Morning, many
 persons Came to the boat to day I took equal altitudes. mar time 76° 33'
 7"
 I heard of my Brothers illness to day which has given me much Concurn,
 I settle with the men and take receipts for Pay up to the 1st of Decr.
 next, I am invited to a ball in the Village, let Several of the men
 go,--R Fields Kill a Deer George Drewyear returned with a hundred
 Dollars, he lost
 
 
 [Clark, May 19, 1804]
 May 19th Satturday 1804
 A Violent Wind last night from the W. S. W. accompanied with rain which
 lasted about three hours Cleared away this morn'g at 8 oClock, I took
 receipt for the pay of the men up to the 1st. of Decr. next, R. Fields
 Kill a Deer to day, I recve an invitation to a Ball, it is not in my
 power to go. George Drewyer return from St Louis and brought 99
 Dollars, he lost a letter from Cap Lewis to me, Seven Ladies visit me
 to day
 
 
 [Lewis, May 20, 1804]
 Sunday May 20th 1804
 The morning was fair, and the weather pleasent; at 10 oCk A M. agreably
 to an appointment of the preceeding day, I was joined by Capt.
 Stoddard, Lieuts. Milford & Worrell together with Messrs. A. Chouteau,
 C. Gratiot, and many other respectable inhabitants of St. Louis, who
 had engaged to accompany me to the Vilage of St. Charles; accordingly
 at 12 Oclk after bidding an affectionate adieu to my Hostis, that
 excellent woman the spouse of Mr. Peter Chouteau, and some of my fair
 friends of St. Louis, we set forward to that village in order to join
 my friend companion and fellow labourer Capt. William Clark who had
 previously arrived at that place with the party destined for the
 discovery of the interior of the continent of North America the first 5
 miles of our rout laid through a beatifull high leavel and fertile
 prarie which incircles the town of St. Louis from N. W. to S. E. the
 lands through which we then passed are somewhat broken up fertile the
 plains and woodlands are here indiscriminately interspersed untill you
 arrive within three miles of the vilage when the woodland commences and
 continues to the Missouri the latter is extreamly fertile. At half
 after one P.M. our progress was interrupted the near approach of a
 violent thunder storm from the N. W. and concluded to take shelter in a
 little cabbin hard by untill the rain should be over; accordingly we
 alighted and remained about an hour and a half and regailed ourselves
 with a could collation which we had taken the precaution to bring with
 us from St. Louis.
 The clouds continued to follow each other in rapaid succession,
 insomuch that there was but little prospect of it's ceasing to rain
 this evening; as I had determined to reach St. Charles this evening and
 knowing that there was now no time to be lost I set forward in the
 rain, most of the gentlemen continued with me, we arrived at half after
 six and joined Capt Clark, found the party in good health and sperits.
 suped this evening with Monsr. Charles Tayong a Spanish Ensign & late
 Commandant of St. Charles at an early hour I retired to rest on board
 the barge--St. Charles is situated on the North bank of the Missouri 21
 Miles above it's junction with the Mississippi, and about the same
 distance N. W. from St. Louis; it is bisected by one principal street
 about a mile in length runing nearly parrallel with the river, the
 plain on which it stands-is narrow tho sufficiently elivated to secure
 it against the annual inundations of the river, which usually happen in
 the month of June, and in the rear it is terminated by a range of small
 hills, hence the appellation of petit Cote, a name by which this vilage
 is better known to the French inhabitants of the Illinois than that of
 St. Charles. The Vilage contains a Chappel, one hundred dwelling
 houses, and about 450 inhabitants; their houses are generally small and
 but illy constructed; a great majority of the inhabitants are miserably
 pour, illiterate and when at home excessively lazy, tho they are polite
 hospitable and by no means deficient in point of natural genious, they
 live in a perfect state of harmony among each other; and plase as
 implicit confidence in the doctrines of their speritual pastor, the
 Roman Catholic priest, as they yeald passive obedience to the will of
 their temporal master the commandant. a small garden of vegetables is
 the usual extent of their cultivation, and this is commonly imposed on
 the old men and boys; the men in the vigor of life consider the
 cultivation of the earth a degrading occupation, and in order to gain
 the necessary subsistence for themselves and families, either undertake
 hunting voyages on their own account, or engage themselves as hirelings
 to such persons as possess sufficient capital to extend their traffic
 to the natives of the interior parts of the country; on those voyages
 in either case, they are frequently absent from their families or homes
 the term of six twelve or eighteen months and alwas subjected to severe
 and incessant labour, exposed to the ferosity of the lawless savages,
 the vicissitudes of weather and climate, and dependant on chance or
 accident alone for food, raiment or relief in the event of malady.
 These people are principally the decendants of the Canadian French, and
 it is not an inconsiderable proportian of them that can boast a small
 dash of the pure blood of the aboriginees of America. On consulting
 with my friend Capt. C. I found it necessary that we should pospone our
 departure untill 2 P M. the next day and accordingly gave orders to the
 party to hold themselves in readiness to depart at that hour.
 Captn. Clark now informed me that having gotten all the stores on board
 the Barge and perogues on the evening of the 13th of May he determined
 to leave our winter cantainment at the mouth of River Dubois the next
 day, and to ascend the Missouri as far as the Vilage of St. Charles,
 where as it had been previously concerted between us, he was to wait my
 arrival; this movement while it advanced us a small distance on our
 rout, would also enable him to determine whether the vessels had been
 judiciously loaded and if not timely to make the necessary alterations;
 accordingly at 4 P.M. on Monday the 14th of May 1804, he embarked with
 the party in the presence of a number of the neighbouring Citizens who
 had assembled to witness his departure. during the fore part of this
 day it rained excessively hard. In my last letter to the President
 dated at St. Louis I mentioned the departure of Capt. Clark from River
 Dubois on the 15th Inst, which was the day that had been calculated on,
 but having completed the arrangements a day earlyer he departed on the
 14th as before mentioned. On the evening of the 14th the party halted
 and encamped on the upper point of the first Island which lyes near the
 Larbord shore, on the same side and nearly opposite the center of this
 Island a small Creek disimbogues called Couldwater.
 The course and distance of this day was West 4 Miles the Wind from N. E.
 
 
 [Clark, May 20, 1804]
 Sunday 20th May
 a Cloudy morning rained and a hard wind last night I continue to write
 Rolls, Send 20 men to Church to day one man Sick Capt Lewis and Several
 Gentlemen arrive from St Louis thro a violent Shoure of rain, the most
 of the party go to the Church.
 
 
 [Clark, May 20, 1804]
 Sunday 20th May
 A Cloudy morning rained and hard wind from the ____ last night, The
 letter George lost yesterday found by a Country man, I gave the party
 leave to go and hear a Sermon to day delivered by Mr. ____ a romon
 Carthlick Priest at 3 oClock Capt. Lewis Capt. Stoddard accompanied by
 the Officers & Several Gentlemen of St Louis arrived in a heavy Showr
 of Rain Mssr. Lutenants Minford & Werness. Mr. Choteau Grattiot,
 Deloney, Laber Dee Ranken Dr. SoDrang rained the greater part of this
 evening. Suped with Mr. Charles Tayon, the late Comdt. of St Charles a
 Spanish Ensign.
 
 
 [Clark, May 21, 1804]
 Monday 21st May
 Dine with Mr. Ducete & Set out from St. Charles at three oClock after
 getting every matter arranged, proceeded on under a jentle Breese, at
 one mile a Violent rain with Wind from the S. W. we landed at the upper
 point of the first Island on the Stbd Side & Camped, Soon after it
 commenced raining & continued the greater part of the night; 3 french
 men got leave to return to Town, and return early (refur to Fig. 2.)
 25st refured to fig. 2 Left St. Charles May 21st 1804. Steered N. 15° W
 13/4 Ms N 52°W to the upper point of the Island and Camped dureing a rain
 which had been falling half an hour, opposit this Isd. Corns in a Small
 creek on the St. Sd. and at the head one on the Ld. Side rains
 powerfully.
 
 
 [Clark, May 21, 1804]
 May 21st 1804 Monday
 All the forepart of the Day Arranging our party and prcureing the
 different articles necessary for them at this place--Dined with Mr.
 Ducett and Set out at half passed three oClock under three Cheers from
 the gentlemen on the bank and proceeded on to the head of the Island
 (which is Situated on the Stbd Side) 3 miles Soon after we Set out to
 day a hard Wind from the W. S W accompanied with a hard rain, which
 lasted with Short intervales all night, opposit our Camp a Small creek
 corns in on the Lbd Side-
 
 
 [Clark, May 22, 1804]
 Tuesday May 22nd
 delayed a Short time for the three french men who returned and we Set
 out at 6 oClock a Cloudy morning rained Violently hard last night Saw
 Several people on the bank to day & passed Several Small farms. Capt.
 Lewis walk on Shore a little & passed a Camp of Kickapoo Indians, &
 incamped in the mouth of a Small Creek in a large Bend on the Stbd Side.
 
 
 [Clark, May 22, 1804]
 May 22nd Tuesday 1804
 a Cloudy morning Delay one hour for 4 french men who got liberty to
 return to arrange Some business they had forgotten in Town, at 6 oClock
 we proceeded on, passed Several Small farms on the bank, and a large
 creek on the Lbd. Side Called Bonom a Camp of Kickapoos on the St. Side
 Those Indians told me Several days ago that they would Come on & hunt
 and by the time I got to their Camp they would have Some Provisions for
 us, we Camped in a Bend at the Mo. of a Small creek, Soon after we came
 too the Indians arrived with 4 Deer as a Present, for which we gave
 them two qts. of whiskey-
 This Day we passed Several Islands, and Some high lands on the
 Starboard Side, Verry hard water.
 
 
 [Clark, May 23, 1804]
 Wednesday May 23rd 8 Indians Kick. Came to Camp with meat we recved
 their pesents of 3 Deer & gave them Whisky.
 Set out early run on a log under water and Detained one hour proceeded
 on the Same Course of last night, (2 miles) passed the mouth of a creek
 on the Sbd. Side called Woman of Osage River about 30 yds. over,
 abounding in fish, Stoped one hour where their was maney people
 assembled to See us, halted at an endented part of a Rock which juted
 over the water, Called by the french the tavern which is a Cave 40 yds.
 long with the river 4 feet Deep & about 20 feet high, this is a place
 the Indians & french Pay omage to, many names are wrote up on the rock
 Mine among others, at one mile above this rock coms in a small Creek
 called Tavern Creek, abov one other Small Creek, camped at 6 oClock
 (after expirencing great dificuselty in passing Some Drifts) on the Stb
 Side, examined the mens arms found all in good order except the
 Detachment of Solds in the Perogue--R Field Killed a Deer.
 
 
 [Clark, May 23, 1804]
 May 23rd Course of last night S 75 W Contined 2 miles to the Said point
 St. Side passed the upper Point of the Island Thence S 52° W. 7 Miles to
 a pt. on St. Sd. passing Tavern Island two Small Isd. in a bend to the
 St. side the Mo. of Oge womans River at 1 m. the Cave Called the
 Tavern, Lbd Side at 5 m. Situated in the Clifts, opposit a Small Island
 on the Stbd Side (R. & Jo. Fields came in) with many people, passed the
 Tavern Cave, Capt Lewis assended the hill which has peninsulis
 projecting in raged points to the river, and was near falling from a
 Peninsulia hard water all Day Saved himself by the assistance of his
 Knife, passed a Creek 15 yds. wide at 1 mile called Creek of the Tavern
 on the Lbd. Side, Camped opposit the pt. which the Last Course was to.
 one man Sick.
 
 
 [Clark, May 23, 1804]
 May 23rd Wednesday 1804
 We Set out early ran on a Log and detained one hour, proceeded the
 Course of Last night 2 Miles to the mouth of a Creek on the Stbd. Side
 Called Osage Womans R, about 30 yds. wide, opposit a large Island and a
 Settlement. (on this Creek 30 or 40 famlys are Settled) Crossed to the
 Settlemt. and took in R & Jo. Fields who had been Sent to purchase Corn
 & Butter &c. many people Came to See us, we passed a large Cave on the
 Lbd. Side about 120 feet wide 40 feet Deep & 20 feet high many
 different immages are Painted on the Rock at this place. the Inds &
 French pay omage. many hams are wrote on the rock, Stoped about one
 mile above for Capt Lewis who had assended the Clifts which is at the
 Said Cave 300 fee high, hanging over the Water, the water excessively
 Swift to day, we incamped below a Small Isld. in the Meadle of the
 river, Sent out two hunters, one Killed a Deer
 This evening we examined the arms and amunition found those mens arms
 in the perogue in bad order a fair evening Capt. Lewis near falling
 from the Pencelia of rocks 300 feet, he caught at 20 foot.
 
 
 [Clark, May 24, 1804]
 Thursday May the 24th 1804 Set out early passed a Small Isd in the
 Midlle of the river, opposit the on the Lbd. Side is projecting Rock of
 1/2 a mile in extent against which the Current runs, this place is
 called the Devils race grounds,1 above this Coms in a Small Creek
 called the little quiver, a Sand Island on the Stbd Side, passed
 Several Islands & 2 creeks, on the Stbd Side a Small Island on the Lbd
 Side above we wer verry near loseing our Boat in Toeing She Struck the
 Sands the Violence of the Current was so great that the Toe roap Broke,
 the Boat turned Broadside, as the Current Washed the Sand from under
 her She wheeled & lodged on the bank below as often as three times,
 before we got her in Deep water, nothing Saved her but
 
 
 [Clark, May 24, 1804]
 May 24th Set out early, Killed a Deer last night. examined the mens
 arms, & Saw that all was prepared for action, passed an Island in the
 M. R, opposit a hard place of water called the Devill race grown, S 63° W
 4 miles to a point on the Sd. Starboard Side N 68 W to a point on Lbd
 Side 3 ms. Passd. a Small Willow Island on the Lbd. Side to the point
 of a Isd. L Side--S 75° W to a point on Stbd Side 3 Miles, Passed the
 upper point of the Island. Crossed and in a verry bad place we got our
 Boat a ground & She Bocke the Toe Roap & turned the Land, the in
 Wheeling three times, got off returned to the head of the aforesaid
 Island, and Came up under a falling Bank. hard water this place being
 the worst I ever Saw, I call it the retregrade bend. Camped at an old
 house.
 
 
 [Clark, May 24, 1804]
 May 24th Thursday 1804
 Set out early passed a Verry bad part of the River Called the Deavels
 race ground, this is where the Current Sets against Some projecting
 rocks for half a mile on the Labd. Side, above this place is the mouth
 of a Small Creek Called queivere, passed Several Islands, two Small
 Creeks on the Stbd. Side, and passed between a Isld. an the Lbd. Shore
 a narrow pass above this Isld is a Verry bad part of the river, we
 attempted to pass up under the Lbd. Bank which was falling in So fast
 that the evident danger obliged us to Cross between the Starbd. Side
 and a Sand bar in the middle of the river, we hove up near the head of
 the Sand bar, the Sand moveing & banking caused us to run on the Sand.
 The Swiftness of the Current wheeled the boat, Broke our Toe rope, and
 was nearly over Setting the boat, all hand jumped out on the upper Side
 and bore on that Side untill the Sand washed from under the boat and
 wheeled on the next bank by the time She wheeled a 3rd Time got a rope
 fast to her Stern and by the means of Swimmers was Carred to Shore and
 when her Stern was down whilst in the act of Swinging a third time into
 Deep water near the Shore, we returned, to the Island where we Set out
 and assended under the Bank which I have just mentioned, as falling in,
 here George Drewyer & Willard, two of our men who left us at St.
 Charles to Come on by land joined us, we Camped about 1 mile above
 where we were So nearly being lost, on the Labd Side at a Plantation.
 all in Spirits. This place I call the retragrade bend as we were
 obliged to fall back 2 miles
 
 
 [Clark, May 25, 1804]
 25 May
 Set out early Course West to a Point on Sbd. Side at 2 Miles passd a
 Willow Isd. in a Bend to the Lbd. a creek called wood rivr Lbd. Side N
 57° W. to a pt. on the Sb. Side 3 Miles passed the Mouth of a Creek St.
 Side Called Le quever, this Same course continued to a Point Ld. Side
 21/2 Miles further. opposit a Isd. on Sd Side Passed a Creek Called R.
 La freeau at the pt. N 20° W 2 miles To a Small french Village called La
 Charatt of five families only, in the bend to the Starbord This is the
 Last Settlement of Whites, an Island opposit
 
 
 [Clark, May 25, 1804]
 May 25th Friday 1804
 rain last night river fall Several inches, Set out early psd. Several
 Islands passed wood River on the Lbd Side at 2 miles passed Creek on
 the St. Side Called La Querer at 5 miles passed a Creek at 8 mile,
 opsd. an Isd. on the Lbd Side, Camped at the mouth of a Creek called
 River a Chauritte, above a Small french Village of 7 houses and as many
 families, Settled at this place to be convt. to hunt, & trade with the
 Indians, here we met with Mr. Louisell imedeately down from the Seeeder
 Isld. Situated in the Countrey of the Suxex 400 Leagues up he gave us a
 good Deel of information Some letters he informed us that he Saw no
 Indians on the river below the Poncrars--Some hard rain this evening
 The people at this Village is pore, houses Small, they Sent us milk &
 eggs to eat.
 
 
 [Clark, May 26, 1804]
 May 26th 1804. Set out at 7 oClock after a hard rain & Wind, & proceed
 on verry well under Sale. Wind from the E N E
 The wind favourable to day we made 18 miles a Cloud rais & wind & rain
 Closed the Day
 
 
 [Clark, May 26, 1804]
 May the 26th Sattarday 1804.
 Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy Shour of rain (George Drewyer & John
 Shields, Sent by Land with the two horses with directions to proceed on
 one day & hunt the next) The wind favourable from the E N E passed Beef
 Island and river on Lbd Side at 31/2 Ms Passed a Creek on the Lbd. Side
 Called Shepperds Creek, passed Several Islands to day great Deal of
 Deer Sign on the Bank one man out hunting, w Camped on an Island on the
 Starboard Side near the Southern extrem of Luter Island.
 
 
 [Lewis, May 26, 1804]
 Detatchment Orders.
 May 26th 1804.
 The Commanding Officers direct, that the three Squads under the command
 of Sergts. Floyd Ordway and Pryor heretofore forming two messes each,
 shall untill further orders constitute three messes only, the same
 being altered and organized as follows (viz)
 1 Sergt. Charles Floyd. (1)
 Privates:
 2 Hugh McNeal
 3 Patric Gass
 4 Reubin Fields (2)
 5 John B Thompson
 + 6 John Newman
 7 Richard Winsor
 + Francis Rivet &
 8 Joseph Fields (3)
 
 9 Sergt. John Ordway.
 Privates.
 10 William Bratton (4)
 11 John Colter (5)
 X 12 Moses B. Reed
 13 Alexander Willard
 14 William Warner
 15 Silas Goodrich
 16 John Potts &
 17 Hugh Hall
 18 Sergt. Nathaniel Pryor. (6)
 Privates.
 19 George Gibson (7)
 20 George Shannon (8)
 21 John Shields (9)
 22 John Collins
 23 Joseph Whitehouse
 24 Peter Wiser
 F 25 Peter Crusat &
 F 26 Francis Labuche
 The commanding officers further direct that the remainder of the
 detatchmen shall form two messes; and that the same be constituded as
 follows. (viz)
 Patroon, Baptist Dechamps
 Engages
 Etienne Mabbauf
 Paul Primaut
 Charles Hébert
 Baptist La Jeunesse
 Peter Pinaut
 Peter Roi &
 Joseph Collin
 1 Corpl. Richard Warvington.
 Privates.
 2 Robert Frasier
 3 John Boleye
 4 John Dame
 5 Ebinezer Tuttle &
 6 Isaac White
 The Commanding officers further direct that the messes of Sergts.
 Floyd, Ordway and Pryor shall untill further orders form the crew of
 the Batteaux; the Mess of the Patroon La Jeunesse will form the
 permanent crew of the red Perogue; Corpl. Warvington's mess forming
 that of the white perogue.
 Whenever by any casualty it becomes necessary to furnish additional men
 to assist in navigating the Perogues, the same shall be furnished by
 daily detale from the Privates who form the crew of Batteaux, exempting
 only from such detale, Thomas P. Howard and the men who are assigned to
 the two bow and the two stern oars.--For the present one man will be
 furnished daily to assist the crew of the white perogue; this man must
 be an expert boatman.
 The posts and duties of the Sergts. shall be as follows (viz)--when the
 Batteaux is under way, one Sergt. shall be stationed at the helm, one
 in the center on the rear of the Starboard locker, and one at the bow.
 The Sergt. at the helm, shall steer the boat, and see that the baggage
 on the quarterdeck is properly arranged and stowed away in the most
 advantageous manner; to see that no cooking utensels or loos lumber of
 any kind is left on the deck to obstruct the passage between the
 burths--he will also attend to the compas when necessary.
 The Sergt at the center will command the guard, manage the sails, see
 that the men at the oars do their duty; that they come on board at a
 proper season in the morning, and that the boat gets under way in due
 time; he will keep a good lookout for the mouths of all rivers, creeks,
 Islands and other remarkable places and shall immediately report the
 same to the commanding officers; he will attend to the issues of
 sperituous liquors; he shall regulate the halting of the batteaux
 through the day to give the men refreshment, and will also regulate the
 time of her departure taking care that not more time than is necessary
 shall be expended at each halt--it shall be his duty also to post a
 centinel on the bank, near the boat whenever we come too and halt in
 the course of the day, at the same time he will (acompanied by two his
 guard) reconnoiter the forrest arround the place of landing to the
 distance of at least one hundred paces. when we come too for the
 purpose of encamping at night, the Sergt. of the guard shall post two
 centinels immediately on our landing; one of whom shal be posted near
 the boat, and the other at a convenient distance in rear of the
 encampment; at night the Sergt. must be always present with his guard,
 and he is positively forbidden to suffer any man of his guard to absent
 himself on any pretext whatever; he will at each relief through the
 night, accompanyed by the two men last off their posts, reconnoiter in
 every direction around the camp to the distance of at least one hundred
 and fifty paces, and also examine the situation of the boat and
 perogues, and see that they ly safe and free from the bank
 It shall be the duty of the sergt. at the bow, to keep a good look out
 for all danger which may approach, either of the enimy, or obstructions
 which may present themselves to passage of the boat; of the first he
 will notify the Sergt. at the center, who will communicate the
 information to the commanding officers, and of the second or
 obstructions to the boat he will notify the Sergt. at the helm; he will
 also report to the commanding officers through the Sergt. at the center
 all perogues boats canoes or other craft which he may discover in the
 river, and all hunting camps or parties of Indians in view of which we
 may pass. he will at all times be provided with a seting pole and
 assist the bowsman in poling and managing the bow of the boat. it will
 be his duty also to give and answer all signals, which may hereafter be
 established for the government of the perogues and parties on shore.
 The Sergts. will on each morning before our departure relieve each
 other in the following manner--The Sergt. at the helm will parade the
 new guard, relieve the Sergt. and the old guard, and occupy the middle
 station in the boat; the Sergt. of the old guard will occupy the
 station at the bow, and the Sergt. who had been stationed the
 preceeding day at the bow will place himself at the helm.--The sergts.
 in addition to those duties are directed each to keep a seperate
 journal from day today of all passing occurences, and such other
 observations on the country &c. as shall appear to them worthy of notice
 The Sergts. are relieved and exempt from all labour of making fires,
 pitching tents or cooking, and will direct and make the men of their
 several messes perform an equal propotion of those duties.
 The guard shall hereafter consist of one sergeant and six privates &
 engages.
 Patroon, Dechamp, Copl. Warvington, and George Drewyer, are exempt from
 guad duty; the two former will attend particularly to their perogues at
 all times, and see that their lading is in good order, and that the
 same is kept perfectly free from rain or other moisture; the latter
 will perform certain duties on shore which will be assigned him from
 time to time. all other soldiers and engaged men of whatever
 discription must perform their regular tour of guad duty.
 All detales for guard or other duty will be made in the evening when we
 encamp, and the duty to be performed will be entered on, by the
 individuals so warned, the next morning.--provision for one day will be
 issued to the party on each evening after we have encamped; the same
 will be cooked on that evening by the several messes, and a proportion
 of it reserved for the next day as no cooking will be allowed in the
 day while on the mach
 Sergt. John Ordway will continue to issue the provisions and make the
 detales for guard or other duty.--The day after tomorrow lyed corn and
 grece will be issued to the party, the next day Poark and flour, and
 the day following indian meal and poark; and in conformity to that
 ratiene provisions will continue to be issued to the party untill
 further orders.--should any of the messes prefer indian meal to flour
 they may recieve it accordingly--no poark is to be issued when we have
 fresh meat on hand.
 Labuche and Crusat will man the larboard bow oar alternately, and the
 one not engaged at the oar will attend as the Bows-man, and when the
 attention of both these persons is necessary at the bow, their oar is
 to be maned by any idle hand on board.
 Meriwether Lewis Capt.
 Wm. Clark Cpt.
 
 
 [Clark, May 27, 1804]
 Sunday May 27th as we were Setting out this morning two Canoos loaded
 with Bever elk Deer Skins & Buffalow Robes, from the Mahars nation,
 they inform that they left that place 2 months, a gentle Breese from
 the S. E, we camped on an Isd in the mouth of Gasconade R, this river
 is 157 yards wide a butifull stream of clear water. 19 foot Deep Hills
 on the lower Side
 
 
 [Clark, May 27, 1804]
 May 27th Sunday 1804
 as we were pushing off this Morning two Canoos Loaded with fur &c. Came
 to from the Mahars nation, which place they had left two months, at
 about 10 oClock 4 Cajaux or rafts loaded with furs and peltres came too
 one from the Paunees, the other from Grand Osage, they informed nothing
 of Consequence, passed a Creek on the Lbd Side Called ash Creek 20 yds
 wide, passed the upper point of a large Island on the Stbd Side back of
 which Comes in three Creeks one Called Orter Creek, her the men we left
 hunting Came in we camped on a Willow Island in the mouth of Gasconnade
 River. George Shannon Killed a Deer this evening
 
 
 [Clark, May 28, 1804]
 Monday 28th May
 rained hard all the last night Some wind from the S W, one Deer Killed
 to day, one Man fell in with Six Indians hunting, onloaded the perogue,
 & found Several articles Wet, Some Tobacco Spoiled. river begin to rise
 
 
 [Clark, May 28, 1804]
 May 28th Munday 1804 Gasconnade
 Rained hard all last night Some thunder & lightening hard wind in the
 forepart of the night from the S W. Ruben Fields Killed a Deer Several
 hunter out to day I measured the river found the Gasconnade to be 157
 yds. wide and 19 foot Deep the Course of this R. is S 29° W, one of the
 hunters fell in with 6 Inds. hunting, onloaded the large Perogue on
 board of which was 8 french hands found many things wet by their
 cearlenessness, put all the articles which was wet out to Dry--this day
 So Cloudy that no observations could be taken, the river begin to rise,
 examine the mens arms and equapage, all in Order
 
 
 [Clark, May 29, 1804]
 Tuesday 29th May Sent out hunters, got a morning obsvtn and one at 12
 oClock, rained last night, the river rises fast The Musquetors are
 verry bad, Load the pierogue
 
 
 [Clark, May 29, 1804]
 May 29th 1804 Set out from the mouth of the gasconnade, where we took
 obsevn &c. left a Perogue for a man lost in the woods, Course N. 54 W 2
 m to a point Lb. Side. Passed the Isd. on which we Camped, river still
 rised, water verry muddey N. 78° W 2 Ms. to a pt. on Lb Side passed two
 willow Islands first Smaller and a Creek on Lbd. called Deer Creek one
 oposit the point St. Side and incamped on the Lb Side rain all night
 the tents together along the N; 76 W 25 Poles S 26 W, to the point
 above--S 19° to the pot below the River
 
 
 [Clark, May 29, 1804]
 May 29th Tuesday rained last night, Cloudy morning 4 hunters Sent out
 with Orders to return at 12 oClock Took equal altitudes of Suns Lower
 limb found it 105° 31' 45"
 Cap Lewis observed meridean altitude of sun U L-back observation with
 the octant & artificeal horozen--gave for altitude on the Limb 38° 44'
 00" sun octant Error 2 0 0 +
 had the Perogues loaded and all perpared to Set out at 4 oClock after
 finishing the observations & all things necessary found that one of the
 hunters had not returned, we deturmined to proceed on & leave one
 perogue to wate for him, accordingly at half past four we Set out and
 came on 4 miles & camped on the Lbd Side above a Small Creek Called
 Deer Creek, Soon after we came too we heard Several guns fire down the
 river, we answered them by a Discharge of a Swivile on the Bow
 
 
 [Clark, May 30, 1804]
 May 30th, Wednesday, Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy rain, rained all
 last night, a little after Dark last night Several guns were herd
 below, I expect the French men fireing for Whitehous who was lost in
 the woods.
 
 
 [Clark, May 30, 1804]
 May 30th Wednesday 1804
 Rained all last night Set out at 6 oClock after a heavy Shower, and
 proceeded on, passed a large Island a Creek opposit on the St. Side
 just abov a Cave Called Monbrun Tavern & River, passed a Creek on the
 Lbd. Side Call Rush Creek at 4 Miles Several Showers of rain the
 Current Verry Swift river riseing fast Passed Big Miry River at 11
 Miles on the Starboard Side, at the lower point of a Island, this River
 is about 50 yards Wide, Camped at the mouth of a Creek on Lbd Sd of abt
 25 yds. Wide Called Grinestone Creek, opposit the head of a Isd. and
 the mouth of Little Miry River on the St Side, a heavy wind accompanied
 with rain & hail we Made 14 miles to day, the river Continue to rise,
 the County on each Side appear full of Water.
 
 
 [Clark, May 31, 1804]
 May 31st Thursday 1804
 rained the greater part of last night, the wind from the West raised
 and blew with great force untile 5 oClock p.m.which obliged us to lay
 by a Cajaux of Bear Skins and pelteries came down from the Grand
 Osarge, one french man one Indian, and a Squar, they had letters from
 the man Mr. Choteau Sent to that part of the Osarge Nation Settled on
 Arkansa River mentioning that his letter was Commited to the flaims,
 the Inds. not believeing that the Americans had possession of the
 Countrey they disregarded St Louis & their Supplies &c.--Several rats
 of Considerable Size was Cought in the woods to day--Capt Lewis went
 out to the woods & found many curious Plants & Srubs, one Deer killed
 this evening